US7294803B2 - Key pad and keypad assembly - Google Patents
Key pad and keypad assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US7294803B2 US7294803B2 US11/300,942 US30094205A US7294803B2 US 7294803 B2 US7294803 B2 US 7294803B2 US 30094205 A US30094205 A US 30094205A US 7294803 B2 US7294803 B2 US 7294803B2
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- light guide
- guide panel
- light
- keypad
- emitting device
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
- H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
- H01H13/83—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by legends, e.g. Braille, liquid crystal displays, light emitting or optical elements
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2209/00—Layers
- H01H2209/068—Properties of the membrane
- H01H2209/074—Properties of the membrane elastomeric
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2209/00—Layers
- H01H2209/068—Properties of the membrane
- H01H2209/082—Properties of the membrane transparent
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2215/00—Tactile feedback
- H01H2215/004—Collapsible dome or bubble
- H01H2215/01—Part of spacer
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2219/00—Legends
- H01H2219/036—Light emitting elements
- H01H2219/044—Edge lighting of layer
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2219/00—Legends
- H01H2219/054—Optical elements
- H01H2219/056—Diffuser; Uneven surface
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2219/00—Legends
- H01H2219/054—Optical elements
- H01H2219/06—Reflector
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2219/00—Legends
- H01H2219/054—Optical elements
- H01H2219/062—Light conductor
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2221/00—Actuators
- H01H2221/002—Actuators integral with membrane
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2221/00—Actuators
- H01H2221/07—Actuators transparent
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a keypad used in a portable terminal, and more particularly to a keypad and a keypad assembly having a light guide panel.
- a keypad used in a portable terminal typically includes an elastic pad having the shape of a plate, a plurality of key buttons formed on the upper surface of the elastic pad with characters printed on the upper surface thereof, respectively, and a plurality of protrusions (or actuators) formed on the lower surface of the elastic pad and at the opposite end of the upper surface of the elastic pad.
- the portable terminal is commonly provided with a number of light emitting devices, i.e., 15-20, serving as a backlight source for the keypad.
- FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a keypad assembly according to the prior art.
- the keypad assembly 100 includes a keypad 110 , a switch board 150 , and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 170 .
- LEDs light emitting diodes
- the keypad 110 includes an elastic pad 120 , a plurality of key buttons 140 formed on the upper surface 122 of the elastic pad 120 with characters, etc. printed thereof, and a plurality of protrusions 130 formed on the lower surface 124 of the elastic pad 120 , which is opposite to the upper surface 122 of the elastic pad 120 .
- Each of the protrusions 130 is aligned with the center of the corresponding key buttons 140 .
- the elastic pad 120 may have a plurality of grooves 126 formed on the lower surface 124 thereof, and the grooves 126 are positioned around the respective protrusions 130 to prevent the LEDs 170 from interfering with the protrusions 130 .
- the switch board 150 has a plate-shaped PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 155 and a plurality of switches 160 formed on the upper surface of the PCB 155 facing the keypad 110 .
- Each switch 160 is comprised of a conductive contact member 162 and a conductive dome 164 covering the contact member 162 completely.
- the plurality of LEDs 170 is mounted on the upper surface of the PCB 155 , and each LED 170 is covered by the corresponding grooves 126 of the elastic pad 120 .
- the portion of the keypad 110 positioned beneath the pressed key button 140 deforms towards the switch board 150 .
- one of the protrusions 130 corresponding to the deformed portion activates the corresponding dome 164 , which in turn makes an electrical contact with the corresponding contact member 162 .
- the LEDs 170 In designing the switches 160 , the LEDs 170 must not be positioned beneath the corresponding key buttons 140 . Light outputted from the respective LEDs 170 passes through the elastic pad 120 and illuminates the respective key buttons 140 at an oblique angle. As a result, the key buttons 140 are dimly illuminated in a non-uniform fashion. Thus, the center of each key button 140 looks darker and the periphery thereof looks brighter. To address this, if more LEDs are installed to enhance the illumination of the key buttons 140 more uniformly, a higher power consumption and manufacturing cost can result.
- the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems occurring in the prior art and provides additional advantages, by providing a keypad and a keypad assembly capable of realizing uniform and high brightness, as well as low power consumption and manufacturing cost.
- a keypad including a light guide panel, the interior of which light propagates through; at least one key button positioned on the upper surface of the light guide panel; and at least one reflective pattern fixedly positioned with respect to the light guide panel to reflect a part of the light, which propagates through the interior of the light guide panel, towards the key button.
- a keypad assembly including a keypad having a light guide panel, the interior of which light propagates through, at least one key button positioned on the upper surface of the light guide panel, and at least one reflective pattern locally formed on the light guide panel to reflect a part of the light, which propagates through the interior of the light guide panel, towards the key button and a switch board having at least one switch formed on its upper surface, which faces the keypad, wherein, as the key button is pressed, the portion of the keypad deformed towards the switch board presses the switch.
- a portable terminal including a switch board having at least one switch positioned on the upper surface thereof; a keypad having a light guide panel with upper, lower, and lateral surfaces and at least one key button positioned on the upper surface of the light guide panel above the switch; and at least one light emitting device positioned adjacent to at least one of the lateral surfaces of the light guide panel, wherein the keypad has at least one reflective pattern formed on a portion of the upper or lower surface of the light guide panel, which is positioned under the key button, to reflect a part of light, which propagates through the interior of the light guide panel, towards the key button and the light guide panel is made of a transparent elastomer material.
- FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a keypad assembly according to the prior art
- FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a keypad assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 3 a shows an example of a protrusion according to the present invention
- FIG. 3 b shows another example of a protrusion according to the present invention
- FIG. 4 shows the reflective patterns shown in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 5 a shows an example of the construction of a light emitting device according to the present invention
- FIG. 5 b shows another example of the construction of a light emitting device according to the present invention.
- FIG. 5 c shows another example of the construction of a light emitting device according to the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a keypad assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a keypad assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a keypad assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
- the keypad assembly 200 includes a keypad 210 , a switch board 250 facing the keypad 210 , at least one light emitting device 290 , and a second PCB 280 .
- the keypad 210 includes a light guide panel 220 , a plurality of key buttons 245 , a plurality of protrusions 240 , and a plurality of reflective patterns 230 (indicated by solid triangles).
- the light guide panel 220 retains light traveling inside thereof.
- the coupled light propagates from one lateral surface of the light guide panel 220 to the opposite lateral surface end thereof.
- the light guide panel 220 may have any shape, such as a square.
- the light coupled to the interior of the light guide panel 220 propagates inside the light guide panel 220 due to a total reflection, which occurs at the interface between the light guide panel 220 and the external air layer.
- the light guide panel 220 has elasticity so that the key buttons 245 , when pressed, can return to the original position. That is, the light guide panel 220 has self-restoration properties so that it can restore the original shape after deformation and, after the key buttons 245 are operated, returns them to the original position.
- Conventional light guide panels are manufactured by injection-molding of polycarbonate or acryl-based resin which has high transmittance for visible rays. However, they have low elastic modulus, poor elastic restoration properties, and high hardness. This makes it difficult to obtain a good click feel when pressing key buttons. Also, when a key button is pressed, adjacent key buttons may be erroneously operated together (interference among key buttons). Further, a permanent deformation may easily occur in the light guide panels after repeated operation over a long period of time.
- the light guide panel 220 is made of a highly transparent elastomer material, preferably polyurethane or silicone, which has low hardness, high elastic modulus, excellent elastic restoration properties, and high optical transmittance, in order to provide a good click feel, suppress interference among key buttons 245 , and avoid the permanent deformation even after repeated operation.
- a highly transparent elastomer material preferably polyurethane or silicone, which has low hardness, high elastic modulus, excellent elastic restoration properties, and high optical transmittance, in order to provide a good click feel, suppress interference among key buttons 245 , and avoid the permanent deformation even after repeated operation.
- the plurality of key buttons 245 are formed on the upper surface 222 of the light guide panel 220 and have characters, numeral, etc., printed on the upper surface thereof, respectively.
- the key buttons 245 may be formed in one piece with the light guide panel 220 using a material identical to or different from that of the light guide panel 220 .
- the key buttons 245 may be separately formed using polycarbonate or acryl-based resin and attached to the upper surface 222 of the light guide panel 220 .
- Each key button 245 may have any shape, such as a circular post or elliptical post.
- the plurality of protrusions 240 is formed on the lower surface 224 of the light guide panel 220 , which is opposite to the upper surface 222 of the light guide panel 220 .
- the protrusions 240 may be formed in one piece with the light guide panel 220 using a material identical to or different from that of the light guide panel 220 . Alternatively, the protrusions 240 may be separately formed and attached to the lower surface 224 of the light guide panel 220 .
- Each protrusion 240 may have any shape, such as a truncated cone or trapezoidal hexahedron.
- Each protrusion 240 is aligned under the corresponding key button 245 (in a direction along the thickness of the keypad assembly 200 or perpendicular to the upper surface of the first PCB 260 ).
- FIGS. 3 a and 3 b show examples of a protrusion according to the present invention.
- FIG. 3 a shows a protrusion 310 having the shape of a truncated cone including elliptical upper and lower surfaces 312 and 316 and a slanted lateral surface 314 .
- FIG. 3 b shows a protrusion 320 having the shape of a trapezoidal hexahedron including rectangular upper and lower surfaces 322 and 326 and four trapezoidal lateral surfaces 324 .
- the keypad 210 has a plurality of reflective patterns 230 formed on the lower surface of the light guide panel 220 to reflect a part of light, which propagates into the light guide panel 220 , towards the corresponding key buttons 245 , respectively. If necessary, the reflective patterns may be formed on the upper surface of the light guide panel 220 . Each reflective pattern 230 is formed at and around the corresponding protrusion 240 positioned just under the corresponding key button 245 to uniformly illuminate it.
- the density or size of reflective patterns positioned closer to the light emitting device 290 is different from that of reflective patterns positioned farther from the light emitting device 290 , in order to uniformly adjust the overall distribution of light quantity emerging from the upper side of the light guide panel 220 regardless of the distance from the light emitting device 290 .
- the density of reflective patterns closer to the light emitting device 290 is set lower.
- the density of reflective patterns farther from the light emitting device is set higher. In this manner, the distribution of quantity of emergent light, particularly the overall illumination distribution of the key buttons 245 can be uniform and bright.
- FIG. 4 shows reflective patterns according to the present invention.
- the central portion 232 of the reflective patterns 230 is formed on the lower surface of a protrusion 240 and the peripheral portion 234 thereof is formed around the protrusion 240 .
- light propagating into the light guide panel 220 due to total reflection is incident on the reflective patterns 230 .
- Most light diffuse reflected by the reflective patterns 230 towards a key button 245 cannot satisfy the condition of total reflection (when incident angle is smaller than critical angle) and passes through the key button 245 to the exterior.
- light passing through the reflective patterns 230 without diffuse reflection and a part of the diffuse reflected light satisfy the condition of total reflection and continuously propagate inside the light guide panel 220 while contributing to illumination of other key buttons.
- the reflective patterns 230 cause diffuse reflection and use only a part of incident light for illumination of the key button 245 and the rest for illumination of other key buttons. Furthermore, the reflective patterns 230 realize uniform illumination of the key button 245 by means of diffuse reflection in an arbitrary direction. Preferably, the reflective patterns 230 are formed by scratching or printing.
- the central portion 232 ′ (indicated by hollow triangles) of the reflective patterns 230 may be formed between the light guide panel 220 and the protrusion 240 , not on the lower surface of the protrusion 240 .
- the switch board 250 includes a first PCB 260 and a dome sheet 270 .
- the first PCB 260 has a plurality of conductive contact members 265 formed on the upper surface thereof, which constitute switches 265 and 275 together with corresponding domes 275 .
- the switches 265 and 275 are aligned under the corresponding protrusions 240 .
- the dome sheet 270 is coupled to the upper surface of the first PCB 260 and includes a plurality of semi-spherical conductive domes 275 , which completely cover the corresponding contact members 265 .
- the portion of the keypad 210 positioned beneath the pressed key button 245 deforms towards the switch board 250 .
- one of the protrusions 240 corresponding to the deformed portion presses the corresponding dome 275 , which in turn makes an electrical contact with the corresponding contact member 265 .
- the second PCB 280 is attached to the periphery of the lower surface 224 of the light guide panel 220 .
- the light emitting device 290 is mounted on the upper surface of the second PCB 280 with its light emitting surface facing the lateral surface of the light guide panel 220 . Light emerging from the light emitting device 290 is coupled to the interior of the light guide panel 220 via the lateral surface thereof.
- the second PCB 280 may be made of a conventional flexible PCB (FPCB) and the light emitting device may be a conventional LED.
- FIGS. 5 a , 5 b , and 5 c show examples of the construction of a light emitting device according to the present invention.
- FIG. 5 a is a front view showing a light emitting device 410 positioned at the center of a lateral surface of a light guide panel 401 .
- FIG. 5 b is a front view showing a light emitting device 420 positioned at a corner of a light guide panel 402 .
- FIG. 5 c is a front view showing first and second light emitting devices 430 and 435 positioned on a lateral surface of a light guide panel 403 with a spacing and a number of key buttons attached to the light guide panel 403 .
- the number and position of the light emitting device according to the present invention can be determined selectively.
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a keypad assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
- the keypad assembly 200 ′ has a construction similar to that of the keypad assembly 200 shown in FIG. 2 , except for the shape of the light guide panel 220 ′ and the position of the light emitting device 290 ′. Therefore, the same components are given the same reference numerals and repeated description thereof will be omitted to avoid redundancy.
- the light guide panel 220 ′ generally has the shape of a square plate and guides light coupled to the interior thereof.
- a peripheral portion 226 of the light guide panel 220 ′ extends with a slant to the upper surface of the PCB 260 .
- At least one light emitting device 290 ′ is mounted on the upper surface of the PCB 260 with its light emitting surface facing the lateral surface of the slant portion 226 of the light guide panel 220 ′. Light emerging from the light emitting device 290 ′ is coupled to the interior of the light guide panel 220 ′ via the lateral surface thereof.
- the second embodiment is advantageous in that the shape of the light guide panel 220 ′ is modified so that no flexible PCB is necessary for wiring of the light emitting device 290 ′ and the keypad assembly 200 ′ can be realized in a more economical manner.
- FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a keypad assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
- the keypad assembly 200 ′′ has a construction similar to that of the keypad assembly 200 ′ shown in FIG. 6 , except for the shape of the light guide panel 220 ′′. Therefore, the same components are given the same reference numerals and repeated description thereof will be omitted to avoid redundancy.
- the light guide panel 220 ′′ has the shape of a square plate with a constant thickness and light coupled to the interior thereof.
- a peripheral portion 226 ′ of the light guide panel 220 ′′ bends in such a manner that it extends to the upper surface of the PCB 260 .
- the peripheral portion 226 ′ of the light guide panel 220 ′′ which may be made of an elastomer material, such as silicone, may be bent at an angle as shown in the drawing for optical connection between the light guide panel 220 ′′ and the light emitting device 290 ′, which are in different vertical positions.
- the light emitting device 290 ′ is mounted on the upper surface of the PCB 260 with its light emitting surface facing the lateral surface of the peripheral portion 226 ′ of the light guide panel 220 ′′. Light emerging from the light emitting device 290 ′ is coupled to the interior of the light guide panel 220 ′′ via the lateral surface thereof.
- the keypad and the keypad assembly according to the present invention are advantageous in that the elastic light guide panel positioned between the key buttons, and the shape and design of protrusions makes it possible to illuminate the key buttons uniformly and brightly and reduce the number of necessary light emitting devices, power consumption, and manufacturing cost.
Landscapes
- Push-Button Switches (AREA)
- Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)
- Telephone Set Structure (AREA)
- Switch Cases, Indication, And Locking (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims (21)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/820,459 US7462794B2 (en) | 2005-05-19 | 2007-06-18 | Key pad and keypad assembly |
US11/820,231 US7446275B2 (en) | 2005-05-19 | 2007-06-18 | Key pad and keypad assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
KR2005-42035 | 2005-05-19 | ||
KR1020050042035A KR100606081B1 (en) | 2005-05-19 | 2005-05-19 | Light guide panel, keypad and keypad assembly |
KR2005-64351 | 2005-07-15 | ||
KR1020050064351A KR100606082B1 (en) | 2005-07-15 | 2005-07-15 | Keypad and keypad assembly |
Related Child Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/820,231 Continuation US7446275B2 (en) | 2005-05-19 | 2007-06-18 | Key pad and keypad assembly |
US11/820,459 Division US7462794B2 (en) | 2005-05-19 | 2007-06-18 | Key pad and keypad assembly |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060260922A1 US20060260922A1 (en) | 2006-11-23 |
US7294803B2 true US7294803B2 (en) | 2007-11-13 |
Family
ID=35708986
Family Applications (5)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/300,942 Active US7294803B2 (en) | 2005-05-19 | 2005-12-15 | Key pad and keypad assembly |
US11/327,029 Active US7378606B2 (en) | 2005-05-19 | 2006-01-06 | Keypad and keypad assembly |
US11/731,881 Abandoned US20070175744A1 (en) | 2005-05-19 | 2007-03-30 | Keypad and keypad assembly |
US11/820,231 Active US7446275B2 (en) | 2005-05-19 | 2007-06-18 | Key pad and keypad assembly |
US11/820,459 Active US7462794B2 (en) | 2005-05-19 | 2007-06-18 | Key pad and keypad assembly |
Family Applications After (4)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/327,029 Active US7378606B2 (en) | 2005-05-19 | 2006-01-06 | Keypad and keypad assembly |
US11/731,881 Abandoned US20070175744A1 (en) | 2005-05-19 | 2007-03-30 | Keypad and keypad assembly |
US11/820,231 Active US7446275B2 (en) | 2005-05-19 | 2007-06-18 | Key pad and keypad assembly |
US11/820,459 Active US7462794B2 (en) | 2005-05-19 | 2007-06-18 | Key pad and keypad assembly |
Country Status (12)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (5) | US7294803B2 (en) |
EP (4) | EP2270825B1 (en) |
JP (4) | JP4732230B2 (en) |
CN (2) | CN101145458B (en) |
AT (3) | ATE401659T1 (en) |
BR (2) | BRPI0601294B1 (en) |
DE (2) | DE602005011768D1 (en) |
ES (3) | ES2318398T3 (en) |
PL (1) | PL2270825T3 (en) |
RU (3) | RU2332743C2 (en) |
TW (2) | TWI313018B (en) |
WO (2) | WO2006123882A1 (en) |
Cited By (22)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050181843A1 (en) * | 2004-02-18 | 2005-08-18 | Nec Corporation | Portable telephone and method of manufacturing the same |
US20070013664A1 (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2007-01-18 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Keypad, keypad assembly and portable terminal |
US20070041573A1 (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2007-02-22 | Samsung Electronics Co.; Ltd | Key pad lighting apparatus for a portable terminal |
US20070247828A1 (en) * | 2006-04-25 | 2007-10-25 | Kbf Co., Ltd. | Keypad pcb assembly for mobile phone with light guide plate |
US20080053800A1 (en) * | 2006-08-30 | 2008-03-06 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Keypad light guide |
US20080087533A1 (en) * | 2006-10-11 | 2008-04-17 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Keypad assembly for electronic equipment and method thereof |
US20090040075A1 (en) * | 2007-08-09 | 2009-02-12 | Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. | Light-emitting keyboard |
US20090050456A1 (en) * | 2006-02-28 | 2009-02-26 | Hyun Soo Kim | Light emitting keypad comprising light guide film and light guide |
US20090121904A1 (en) * | 2007-11-08 | 2009-05-14 | Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. | Light-emitting keyboard |
US20090173607A1 (en) * | 2008-01-04 | 2009-07-09 | Silitech Technology Corp. | Thin keymat module with a reflection structure |
US20090266696A1 (en) * | 2008-04-28 | 2009-10-29 | Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd. | Sheet-switch module |
US20100061789A1 (en) * | 2008-09-11 | 2010-03-11 | Chin-Wen Chou | Self-luminous keyboard with brightness-enhanced keycaps |
US20100090325A1 (en) * | 2008-10-10 | 2010-04-15 | Elpida Memory, Inc. | Semiconductor device |
US20100163388A1 (en) * | 2007-05-09 | 2010-07-01 | Sunarrow Limited | Key sheet and key unit having the same |
US20100200381A1 (en) * | 2009-02-10 | 2010-08-12 | Shih-Yuan Kuo | Key module |
US20100252407A1 (en) * | 2008-11-24 | 2010-10-07 | Logitech Europe, S.A. | Keyboard with back-lighted ultra-durable keys |
US20110158728A1 (en) * | 2009-12-28 | 2011-06-30 | Hsin-Cheng Ho | Backlight module and lighting keyboard |
US20110203911A1 (en) * | 2010-02-24 | 2011-08-25 | Avago Technologies Ecbu Ip (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. | Keypad assembly |
US20130278448A1 (en) * | 2012-04-19 | 2013-10-24 | Giga-Byte Technology Co., Ltd. | Illumination module and illuminated keyboard having the same |
US9634661B1 (en) * | 2015-12-14 | 2017-04-25 | Primax Electronics Ltd. | Optical switch keyboard |
US20200042101A1 (en) * | 2018-08-01 | 2020-02-06 | Lite-On Electronics (Guangzhou) Limited | Backlight module and input device |
US11081300B2 (en) * | 2016-09-30 | 2021-08-03 | Dongguan Mingjian Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. | Mechanical switch of photoelectrical type and a key assembly of a keyboard |
Families Citing this family (94)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR100787581B1 (en) * | 2005-09-27 | 2007-12-21 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Keypad having phosphor, keypad assembly and portable terminal |
JP2007150846A (en) | 2005-11-29 | 2007-06-14 | Toshiba Corp | Contents reproducing system |
KR100744283B1 (en) * | 2005-12-05 | 2007-07-30 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Key-pad and fabricating method using the same |
DE202006004575U1 (en) * | 2006-03-22 | 2006-05-18 | Trw Automotive Electronics & Components Gmbh & Co. Kg | switch module |
KR100754686B1 (en) * | 2006-03-28 | 2007-09-03 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Keypad assembly |
JP4926762B2 (en) * | 2006-08-03 | 2012-05-09 | シチズン電子株式会社 | Luminescent sheet module |
TWM306669U (en) * | 2006-08-04 | 2007-02-21 | Wintek Corp | Backlight module, backlight module housing and liquid crystal display having the same |
KR101228452B1 (en) * | 2006-09-12 | 2013-01-31 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Keypad assembly and mobile terminal having it |
KR101243669B1 (en) * | 2006-10-18 | 2013-03-25 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Mobile terminal |
CN101192478B (en) * | 2006-12-01 | 2010-08-11 | 深圳富泰宏精密工业有限公司 | Backlight keyboard |
JP4845701B2 (en) * | 2006-12-14 | 2011-12-28 | シチズン電子株式会社 | Seat switch module |
JP5060921B2 (en) * | 2006-12-26 | 2012-10-31 | アルプス電気株式会社 | Movable contact unit for switch and switch device using the same |
KR100856206B1 (en) * | 2007-01-31 | 2008-09-03 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Keypad and keypad assembly |
US20080191904A1 (en) * | 2007-02-12 | 2008-08-14 | Kai-Jie Tsao | Method For Manufacturing Thin Keypad Assembly And Such Assembly |
CN101548259A (en) * | 2007-02-23 | 2009-09-30 | 诺基亚公司 | Optical actuators in keypads |
US8471832B2 (en) * | 2007-03-02 | 2013-06-25 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Keypad assembly having light leakage prevention structure |
JP2008226576A (en) * | 2007-03-12 | 2008-09-25 | Sunarrow Ltd | Key sheet, key unit equipped with it, and manufacturing method of light guide plate of key sheet |
EP1970735A1 (en) * | 2007-03-12 | 2008-09-17 | Silitech Technology Corp. | Super-thin light-guiding module with a side light-projecting type function |
TWI315537B (en) * | 2007-03-14 | 2009-10-01 | Ichia Tech Inc | Method for manufacturing compact keypad |
JP2008235025A (en) * | 2007-03-20 | 2008-10-02 | Sumitomo Electric Printed Circuit Inc | Light guide plate, input module and portable apparatus |
JP2008235021A (en) * | 2007-03-20 | 2008-10-02 | Sumitomo Electric Printed Circuit Inc | Input module and portable equipment |
JP4908280B2 (en) * | 2007-03-20 | 2012-04-04 | 住友電工プリントサーキット株式会社 | Method for manufacturing light guide plate |
KR20080088324A (en) * | 2007-03-29 | 2008-10-02 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Keypad assembly |
JP2008269864A (en) * | 2007-04-18 | 2008-11-06 | Sunarrow Ltd | Metal dome sheet equipped with pressing protrusion, and push-button switch |
US7718910B2 (en) * | 2007-06-20 | 2010-05-18 | Panasonic Corporation | Movable contact assembly and switch using the same |
TR200705956A2 (en) * | 2007-08-28 | 2009-03-23 | Vestel Elektroni̇k Sanayi̇ Ve Ti̇caret Anoni̇m Şi̇rketi̇@ | Keypad with light reflecting keys for homogeneous visibility |
JP2009070717A (en) * | 2007-09-14 | 2009-04-02 | Citizen Electronics Co Ltd | Sheet switch |
JP2009087818A (en) * | 2007-10-01 | 2009-04-23 | Shin Etsu Polymer Co Ltd | Illumination sheet member and cover member for control switch |
US7671290B2 (en) | 2007-10-29 | 2010-03-02 | Research In Motion Limited | Illuminated key-pad assembly |
ATE550769T1 (en) * | 2007-10-29 | 2012-04-15 | Research In Motion Ltd | ILLUMINATED KEYBOARD ASSEMBLY |
TWI345719B (en) * | 2007-11-15 | 2011-07-21 | Lite On Technology Corp | Light emitting keyboard |
KR101345384B1 (en) | 2007-11-16 | 2013-12-24 | 삼성전자주식회사 | light guide plate, lighting apparatus using the plate and fabrication method of the plate |
TWI394110B (en) * | 2007-12-14 | 2013-04-21 | Chi Mei Comm Systems Inc | Icon dispaly |
JP2009152099A (en) * | 2007-12-21 | 2009-07-09 | Shin Etsu Polymer Co Ltd | Illuminating structure for mobile phone |
CN101471192B (en) * | 2007-12-27 | 2011-04-06 | 比亚迪股份有限公司 | Press key structure and method for producing the same |
JP5293068B2 (en) * | 2008-01-07 | 2013-09-18 | パナソニック株式会社 | Movable contact body |
US7498533B1 (en) * | 2008-02-27 | 2009-03-03 | Silitek Electronic(Guangzhou)Co.,Ltd. | Keypad device |
TWM341265U (en) * | 2008-03-05 | 2008-09-21 | Global Lighting Technologies Taiwan Inc | Light emitting key structure |
JP5145595B2 (en) * | 2008-04-04 | 2013-02-20 | 住友電工プリントサーキット株式会社 | Light guide plate and wiring module |
TWI402717B (en) * | 2008-05-13 | 2013-07-21 | Chicony Electronic Co Ltd | Glowing keyboard |
WO2009157218A1 (en) * | 2008-06-26 | 2009-12-30 | 日本メクトロン株式会社 | Key module of portable apparatus |
KR101479339B1 (en) * | 2008-07-09 | 2015-01-05 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Illumination apparatus using light guide and portable terminal having the same |
JP4722975B2 (en) * | 2008-08-25 | 2011-07-13 | 三井物産プラスチックトレード株式会社 | Small portable electronic devices |
JP2010062086A (en) | 2008-09-05 | 2010-03-18 | Sunarrow Ltd | Light guide sheet, and key sheet using the same |
EP2175294B1 (en) * | 2008-10-08 | 2011-05-18 | Research In Motion Limited | Input key subassembly for minimizing emission of light from unintended paths |
JP5204017B2 (en) * | 2009-03-19 | 2013-06-05 | アルプス電気株式会社 | Keyboard device having illumination function |
JP2010097801A (en) * | 2008-10-16 | 2010-04-30 | Alps Electric Co Ltd | Input device having illumination function |
US7608792B1 (en) * | 2008-11-17 | 2009-10-27 | Sunrex Technology Corp. | Membrane keyboard/keypad with arrangement for uniformly lighting keys from background |
SG172218A1 (en) * | 2008-12-17 | 2011-07-28 | Sinco Technologies Pte Ltd | Light diffuser actuator film (ldaf) keypad module |
JP5171656B2 (en) * | 2009-01-09 | 2013-03-27 | シャープ株式会社 | Light guide sheet, key input device, and portable terminal |
US8142036B2 (en) * | 2009-03-12 | 2012-03-27 | Avago Technologies Ecbu Ip (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. | Keypad device with light source and reflector |
US8317384B2 (en) * | 2009-04-10 | 2012-11-27 | Intellectual Discovery Co., Ltd. | Light guide film with cut lines, and optical keypad using such film |
US8432678B2 (en) | 2010-01-06 | 2013-04-30 | Apple Inc. | Component assembly |
KR20110131437A (en) * | 2010-05-31 | 2011-12-07 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Mobile terminal |
TW201227012A (en) * | 2010-12-21 | 2012-07-01 | Ichia Tech Inc | Light guide structure, keypad structure including the same, and method of fabricating the same |
KR101901610B1 (en) * | 2011-11-03 | 2018-09-28 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Portable terminal |
CN104054148B (en) * | 2011-11-29 | 2016-12-28 | 雷蛇(亚太)私人有限公司 | The printing opacity key switch mechanism of keyboard, keypad or other user input device can be shown |
JP2012199254A (en) * | 2012-07-23 | 2012-10-18 | Sumitomo Electric Printed Circuit Inc | Wiring board module and electronic apparatus |
CN103578831B (en) * | 2012-08-09 | 2016-07-06 | 光宝电子(广州)有限公司 | Pressure type backlight button structure |
US9449772B2 (en) | 2012-10-30 | 2016-09-20 | Apple Inc. | Low-travel key mechanisms using butterfly hinges |
US9502193B2 (en) | 2012-10-30 | 2016-11-22 | Apple Inc. | Low-travel key mechanisms using butterfly hinges |
US9710069B2 (en) | 2012-10-30 | 2017-07-18 | Apple Inc. | Flexible printed circuit having flex tails upon which keyboard keycaps are coupled |
TWM448778U (en) * | 2012-11-02 | 2013-03-11 | Darfon Electronics Corp | Protective cover and keyboard |
CN109375713A (en) | 2013-02-06 | 2019-02-22 | 苹果公司 | Input-output apparatus with the appearance and function that are dynamically adapted |
WO2014193850A1 (en) | 2013-05-27 | 2014-12-04 | Apple Inc. | Low travel switch assembly |
US9908310B2 (en) | 2013-07-10 | 2018-03-06 | Apple Inc. | Electronic device with a reduced friction surface |
CN103515135A (en) * | 2013-09-23 | 2014-01-15 | 苏州达方电子有限公司 | Thin keyboard |
KR102108067B1 (en) * | 2013-09-24 | 2020-05-08 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Mobile terminal and method light giud unit |
WO2015047606A1 (en) | 2013-09-30 | 2015-04-02 | Apple Inc. | Keycaps having reduced thickness |
KR101787301B1 (en) | 2013-09-30 | 2017-10-18 | 애플 인크. | Keycaps with reduced thickness |
US9793066B1 (en) | 2014-01-31 | 2017-10-17 | Apple Inc. | Keyboard hinge mechanism |
US9779889B2 (en) | 2014-03-24 | 2017-10-03 | Apple Inc. | Scissor mechanism features for a keyboard |
US9704665B2 (en) | 2014-05-19 | 2017-07-11 | Apple Inc. | Backlit keyboard including reflective component |
US9715978B2 (en) | 2014-05-27 | 2017-07-25 | Apple Inc. | Low travel switch assembly |
JP3213039U (en) | 2014-08-15 | 2017-10-19 | アップル インコーポレイテッド | Fabric keyboard |
US10082880B1 (en) | 2014-08-28 | 2018-09-25 | Apple Inc. | System level features of a keyboard |
WO2016053898A1 (en) | 2014-09-30 | 2016-04-07 | Apple Inc. | Light-emitting assembly for keyboard |
CN104766739B (en) * | 2015-03-16 | 2017-11-17 | 上海与德科技有限公司 | Formal dress side key component |
CN205595253U (en) | 2015-05-13 | 2016-09-21 | 苹果公司 | Electron device , Hinge structure and key mechanism |
CN207367843U (en) | 2015-05-13 | 2018-05-15 | 苹果公司 | Keyboard components |
CN206134573U (en) | 2015-05-13 | 2017-04-26 | 苹果公司 | Key, be used for key of keyboard and be used for electron device's input structure |
CN108064410B (en) | 2015-05-13 | 2020-05-05 | 苹果公司 | Keyboard for electronic device |
US9934915B2 (en) | 2015-06-10 | 2018-04-03 | Apple Inc. | Reduced layer keyboard stack-up |
US9971084B2 (en) | 2015-09-28 | 2018-05-15 | Apple Inc. | Illumination structure for uniform illumination of keys |
US10536567B2 (en) | 2015-12-31 | 2020-01-14 | Shenzhen Royole Technologies Co., Ltd. | Terminal device and electronic device |
JP2018013305A (en) * | 2016-07-22 | 2018-01-25 | 日立アプライアンス株式会社 | refrigerator |
JP6633987B2 (en) * | 2016-07-22 | 2020-01-22 | 日立グローバルライフソリューションズ株式会社 | refrigerator |
US10353485B1 (en) | 2016-07-27 | 2019-07-16 | Apple Inc. | Multifunction input device with an embedded capacitive sensing layer |
US10115544B2 (en) | 2016-08-08 | 2018-10-30 | Apple Inc. | Singulated keyboard assemblies and methods for assembling a keyboard |
US10755877B1 (en) | 2016-08-29 | 2020-08-25 | Apple Inc. | Keyboard for an electronic device |
US11500538B2 (en) | 2016-09-13 | 2022-11-15 | Apple Inc. | Keyless keyboard with force sensing and haptic feedback |
WO2019023357A1 (en) | 2017-07-26 | 2019-01-31 | Apple Inc. | Computer with keyboard |
CN107421681B (en) * | 2017-07-31 | 2019-10-01 | 京东方科技集团股份有限公司 | A kind of pressure sensor and preparation method thereof |
DE102018205831B3 (en) | 2018-04-17 | 2019-09-12 | Audi Ag | Operating element with movable probe element and motor vehicle with such a control element |
Citations (21)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4343975A (en) | 1979-12-07 | 1982-08-10 | Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd. | Key board switch unit with illumination |
JPS61202549A (en) | 1985-03-05 | 1986-09-08 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Key switching device with illumination |
JPH03257728A (en) | 1990-03-07 | 1991-11-18 | Iri Design:Kk | Luminescence configuration for push type panel switch |
JPH0422023A (en) | 1990-05-16 | 1992-01-27 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Keyboard |
US5128842A (en) | 1991-06-03 | 1992-07-07 | Sunarrow Co., Inc. | Uniform illumination plate |
US5397867A (en) * | 1992-09-04 | 1995-03-14 | Lucas Industries, Inc. | Light distribution for illuminated keyboard switches and displays |
US5491313A (en) | 1994-07-22 | 1996-02-13 | General Motors Corporation | Halo lighting for keypad switch assemblies |
US5568367A (en) | 1994-06-08 | 1996-10-22 | Universal Electronics Inc. | Remote control with key lighting |
US5573107A (en) | 1994-08-10 | 1996-11-12 | Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd. | Internally-illuminable push-button switch unit |
US5661279A (en) * | 1995-10-26 | 1997-08-26 | Sunarrow Co., Ltd. | Pushbutton switch |
EP0552497B1 (en) | 1992-01-22 | 1997-10-08 | Fujikura Ltd. | Light illumination membrane switch with reduced size and improved light illumination |
US5766981A (en) | 1995-01-04 | 1998-06-16 | Xerox Corporation | Thermally processed, phosphorus- or arsenic-containing semiconductor laser with selective IILD |
US5847336A (en) * | 1997-05-02 | 1998-12-08 | Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ) | Direct keypad backlighting |
US6462294B2 (en) * | 1998-12-22 | 2002-10-08 | Nokia Mobile Phones Limited | Metallic keys |
JP2002300258A (en) | 2001-04-03 | 2002-10-11 | Nec Corp | Operation key lighting structure of portable terminal device |
US6467924B2 (en) * | 1999-09-15 | 2002-10-22 | Michael Shipman | Keyboard having illuminated keys |
US20030103359A1 (en) | 2001-11-30 | 2003-06-05 | Darfon Electronics Corp. | Illuminated keyboard |
US20040018796A1 (en) | 2002-07-26 | 2004-01-29 | Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd. | Method of manufacturing display device |
US6834973B2 (en) * | 2000-08-16 | 2004-12-28 | Enplas Corporation | Light guide plate, surface light source device and liquid crystal display |
US20050150753A1 (en) * | 2004-01-12 | 2005-07-14 | Chih-Min Hsu | Key structure and manufacturing method thereof |
US20050167254A1 (en) * | 2004-02-03 | 2005-08-04 | Nec Corporation | Transmissive key sheet, input keys using transmissive key sheet and electronic equipment with input keys |
Family Cites Families (27)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2886911A (en) * | 1953-07-23 | 1959-05-19 | George K C Hardesty | Duo-panel edge illumination system |
US5280145A (en) * | 1992-12-30 | 1994-01-18 | Jay-El Products, Inc. | Switch actuating mechanism |
JP3318427B2 (en) * | 1994-01-21 | 2002-08-26 | ファナック株式会社 | Zero point correction method of pressure detection device in injection molding machine |
RU2088964C1 (en) * | 1994-07-22 | 1997-08-27 | Московский научно-исследовательский институт приборной автоматики | Keyboard for personal and miscellaneous electronic computers and hardware |
JPH0982167A (en) * | 1995-09-08 | 1997-03-28 | Seikosha Co Ltd | Internally-illuminated pushbutton switch device |
JP3100323B2 (en) * | 1995-10-06 | 2000-10-16 | 信越ポリマー株式会社 | Cover member for push button switch |
JPH09259697A (en) * | 1996-01-16 | 1997-10-03 | Taisei Plus Kk | Switching seat structure for electronic equipment |
US5895115A (en) * | 1996-01-16 | 1999-04-20 | Lumitex, Inc. | Light emitting panel assemblies for use in automotive applications and the like |
DE29622180U1 (en) | 1996-12-20 | 1998-04-23 | Hansen & Reinders GmbH, 45883 Gelsenkirchen | Switching devices such as contactors |
JPH10199317A (en) * | 1997-01-17 | 1998-07-31 | Omron Corp | Surface light source device |
US5849336A (en) * | 1997-07-02 | 1998-12-15 | Abbott Laboratories | Method using sturgeon notochord for alleviating the symptoms of arthritis |
JPH1173837A (en) * | 1997-08-28 | 1999-03-16 | Taisei Plas Co Ltd | Light irradiating type push button switch |
US6633722B1 (en) | 1998-04-30 | 2003-10-14 | Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd. | Light guide plate with alicyclic resin |
JP2001167655A (en) | 1999-12-09 | 2001-06-22 | Citizen Electronics Co Ltd | Push button switch illumination apparatus |
JP2001209328A (en) * | 2000-01-27 | 2001-08-03 | Tsuchiya Kogyo Kk | Electroluminescence display device of electronic apparatus |
JP4407856B2 (en) | 2000-06-14 | 2010-02-03 | シチズン電子株式会社 | Electronics |
JP2002093270A (en) * | 2000-09-19 | 2002-03-29 | Nec Corp | Structure of illuminating part |
JP2003157738A (en) * | 2001-11-22 | 2003-05-30 | Stanley Electric Co Ltd | Key illumination device |
JP2003178639A (en) | 2001-12-12 | 2003-06-27 | Sunarrow Ltd | Key unit with hard base |
JP2003308752A (en) | 2002-04-17 | 2003-10-31 | Nec Access Technica Ltd | Lighting structure for operation part of portable terminal and portable terminal |
US6926418B2 (en) | 2002-04-24 | 2005-08-09 | Nokia Corporation | Integrated light-guide and dome-sheet for keyboard illumination |
JP4119707B2 (en) * | 2002-08-02 | 2008-07-16 | ポリマテック株式会社 | Keypad, injection mold for resin key top, and method for manufacturing resin key top |
JP4216577B2 (en) | 2002-12-20 | 2009-01-28 | シチズン電子株式会社 | Light guide plate |
JP2004227855A (en) * | 2003-01-21 | 2004-08-12 | Alps Electric Co Ltd | Illumination mechanism of rotating operation type electrical component |
RU32636U1 (en) * | 2003-04-24 | 2003-09-20 | Открытое акционерное общество "Кировский завод "Маяк" | Control panel keyboard |
EP1676286A1 (en) * | 2003-10-23 | 2006-07-05 | Nokia Corporation | Keyboard with key supporting structure for portable electronics devices |
KR100523081B1 (en) | 2003-12-11 | 2005-10-24 | 제일모직주식회사 | Light guide for back light unit |
-
2005
- 2005-10-04 DE DE602005011768T patent/DE602005011768D1/en active Active
- 2005-10-04 EP EP10184445A patent/EP2270825B1/en active Active
- 2005-10-04 ES ES05021650T patent/ES2318398T3/en active Active
- 2005-10-04 ES ES05021645T patent/ES2308358T3/en active Active
- 2005-10-04 AT AT05021645T patent/ATE401659T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2005-10-04 EP EP08006381A patent/EP1944782B1/en active Active
- 2005-10-04 PL PL10184445T patent/PL2270825T3/en unknown
- 2005-10-04 EP EP05021645A patent/EP1732094B1/en active Active
- 2005-10-04 ES ES10184445T patent/ES2390653T3/en active Active
- 2005-10-04 AT AT05021650T patent/ATE418149T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2005-10-04 AT AT08006381T patent/ATE548745T1/en active
- 2005-10-04 EP EP05021650A patent/EP1724800B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2005-10-04 DE DE602005008209T patent/DE602005008209D1/en active Active
- 2005-12-15 US US11/300,942 patent/US7294803B2/en active Active
- 2005-12-27 CN CN2007101816924A patent/CN101145458B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2005-12-27 CN CN2007101817077A patent/CN101150019B/en active Active
-
2006
- 2006-01-06 US US11/327,029 patent/US7378606B2/en active Active
- 2006-03-31 TW TW095111421A patent/TWI313018B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2006-03-31 TW TW095111435A patent/TWI314748B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2006-04-19 BR BRPI0601294-9A patent/BRPI0601294B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2006-04-19 BR BRPI0601292-2A patent/BRPI0601292B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2006-04-20 RU RU2006113453/09A patent/RU2332743C2/en active
- 2006-05-10 JP JP2006131040A patent/JP4732230B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2006-05-10 JP JP2006130983A patent/JP2006323843A/en active Pending
- 2006-05-16 WO PCT/KR2006/001823 patent/WO2006123882A1/en active Application Filing
- 2006-05-17 WO PCT/KR2006/001842 patent/WO2006123895A1/en active Application Filing
-
2007
- 2007-03-30 US US11/731,881 patent/US20070175744A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2007-05-11 RU RU2007117683/09A patent/RU2007117683A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2007-06-18 US US11/820,231 patent/US7446275B2/en active Active
- 2007-06-18 US US11/820,459 patent/US7462794B2/en active Active
-
2008
- 2008-03-18 RU RU2008110466/08A patent/RU2458382C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2009
- 2009-05-19 JP JP2009121009A patent/JP5008038B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2009-11-20 JP JP2009264895A patent/JP2010044794A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (22)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4343975A (en) | 1979-12-07 | 1982-08-10 | Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd. | Key board switch unit with illumination |
JPS61202549A (en) | 1985-03-05 | 1986-09-08 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Key switching device with illumination |
JPH03257728A (en) | 1990-03-07 | 1991-11-18 | Iri Design:Kk | Luminescence configuration for push type panel switch |
JPH0422023A (en) | 1990-05-16 | 1992-01-27 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Keyboard |
US5128842A (en) | 1991-06-03 | 1992-07-07 | Sunarrow Co., Inc. | Uniform illumination plate |
EP0552497B1 (en) | 1992-01-22 | 1997-10-08 | Fujikura Ltd. | Light illumination membrane switch with reduced size and improved light illumination |
US5397867A (en) * | 1992-09-04 | 1995-03-14 | Lucas Industries, Inc. | Light distribution for illuminated keyboard switches and displays |
US5568367A (en) | 1994-06-08 | 1996-10-22 | Universal Electronics Inc. | Remote control with key lighting |
US5491313A (en) | 1994-07-22 | 1996-02-13 | General Motors Corporation | Halo lighting for keypad switch assemblies |
US5573107A (en) | 1994-08-10 | 1996-11-12 | Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd. | Internally-illuminable push-button switch unit |
US5766981A (en) | 1995-01-04 | 1998-06-16 | Xerox Corporation | Thermally processed, phosphorus- or arsenic-containing semiconductor laser with selective IILD |
US5664667A (en) * | 1995-10-26 | 1997-09-09 | Sunarrow Co., Ltd. | Pushbutton switch |
US5661279A (en) * | 1995-10-26 | 1997-08-26 | Sunarrow Co., Ltd. | Pushbutton switch |
US5847336A (en) * | 1997-05-02 | 1998-12-08 | Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ) | Direct keypad backlighting |
US6462294B2 (en) * | 1998-12-22 | 2002-10-08 | Nokia Mobile Phones Limited | Metallic keys |
US6467924B2 (en) * | 1999-09-15 | 2002-10-22 | Michael Shipman | Keyboard having illuminated keys |
US6834973B2 (en) * | 2000-08-16 | 2004-12-28 | Enplas Corporation | Light guide plate, surface light source device and liquid crystal display |
JP2002300258A (en) | 2001-04-03 | 2002-10-11 | Nec Corp | Operation key lighting structure of portable terminal device |
US20030103359A1 (en) | 2001-11-30 | 2003-06-05 | Darfon Electronics Corp. | Illuminated keyboard |
US20040018796A1 (en) | 2002-07-26 | 2004-01-29 | Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd. | Method of manufacturing display device |
US20050150753A1 (en) * | 2004-01-12 | 2005-07-14 | Chih-Min Hsu | Key structure and manufacturing method thereof |
US20050167254A1 (en) * | 2004-02-03 | 2005-08-04 | Nec Corporation | Transmissive key sheet, input keys using transmissive key sheet and electronic equipment with input keys |
Cited By (36)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050181843A1 (en) * | 2004-02-18 | 2005-08-18 | Nec Corporation | Portable telephone and method of manufacturing the same |
US7369881B2 (en) * | 2004-02-18 | 2008-05-06 | Nec Corporation | Portable telephone and method of manufacturing the same |
US20070041573A1 (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2007-02-22 | Samsung Electronics Co.; Ltd | Key pad lighting apparatus for a portable terminal |
US7758225B2 (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2010-07-20 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Key pad lighting apparatus for a portable terminal |
US20070013664A1 (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2007-01-18 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Keypad, keypad assembly and portable terminal |
US7683279B2 (en) * | 2006-02-28 | 2010-03-23 | Hyun Soo Kim | Light emitting keypad comprising light guide film and light guide |
US20090050456A1 (en) * | 2006-02-28 | 2009-02-26 | Hyun Soo Kim | Light emitting keypad comprising light guide film and light guide |
US20070247828A1 (en) * | 2006-04-25 | 2007-10-25 | Kbf Co., Ltd. | Keypad pcb assembly for mobile phone with light guide plate |
US7429709B2 (en) * | 2006-04-25 | 2008-09-30 | Kbf Co. Ltd. | Keypad PCB assembly for mobile phone with light guide plate |
US20080053800A1 (en) * | 2006-08-30 | 2008-03-06 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Keypad light guide |
US7498534B2 (en) | 2006-08-30 | 2009-03-03 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Keypad light guide |
US7446274B2 (en) * | 2006-10-11 | 2008-11-04 | Jae-Young Choi | Keypad assembly for electronic equipment and method thereof |
US20080087533A1 (en) * | 2006-10-11 | 2008-04-17 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Keypad assembly for electronic equipment and method thereof |
US20100163388A1 (en) * | 2007-05-09 | 2010-07-01 | Sunarrow Limited | Key sheet and key unit having the same |
US20090040075A1 (en) * | 2007-08-09 | 2009-02-12 | Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. | Light-emitting keyboard |
US20090121904A1 (en) * | 2007-11-08 | 2009-05-14 | Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. | Light-emitting keyboard |
US20090173607A1 (en) * | 2008-01-04 | 2009-07-09 | Silitech Technology Corp. | Thin keymat module with a reflection structure |
US20090266696A1 (en) * | 2008-04-28 | 2009-10-29 | Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd. | Sheet-switch module |
US8128297B2 (en) * | 2008-09-11 | 2012-03-06 | Zippy Technology Corp. | Self-luminous keyboard with brightness-enhanced keycaps |
US20100061789A1 (en) * | 2008-09-11 | 2010-03-11 | Chin-Wen Chou | Self-luminous keyboard with brightness-enhanced keycaps |
US20100090325A1 (en) * | 2008-10-10 | 2010-04-15 | Elpida Memory, Inc. | Semiconductor device |
US20100252407A1 (en) * | 2008-11-24 | 2010-10-07 | Logitech Europe, S.A. | Keyboard with back-lighted ultra-durable keys |
US8870477B2 (en) * | 2008-11-24 | 2014-10-28 | Logitech Europe S.A. | Keyboard with back-lighted ultra-durable keys |
US20100200381A1 (en) * | 2009-02-10 | 2010-08-12 | Shih-Yuan Kuo | Key module |
US9269509B2 (en) | 2009-12-28 | 2016-02-23 | Darfon Electronics Corp. | Backlight module and lighting keyboard |
US8714850B2 (en) * | 2009-12-28 | 2014-05-06 | Darfon Electronics Corp. | Backlight module and lighting keyboard |
US20110158728A1 (en) * | 2009-12-28 | 2011-06-30 | Hsin-Cheng Ho | Backlight module and lighting keyboard |
US8172413B2 (en) | 2010-02-24 | 2012-05-08 | Avago Technologies Ecbu Ip (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. | Keypad assembly |
US20110203911A1 (en) * | 2010-02-24 | 2011-08-25 | Avago Technologies Ecbu Ip (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. | Keypad assembly |
US20130278448A1 (en) * | 2012-04-19 | 2013-10-24 | Giga-Byte Technology Co., Ltd. | Illumination module and illuminated keyboard having the same |
US9070520B2 (en) * | 2012-04-19 | 2015-06-30 | Giga-Byte Technology Co., Ltd. | Illumination module and illuminated keyboard having the same |
US9634661B1 (en) * | 2015-12-14 | 2017-04-25 | Primax Electronics Ltd. | Optical switch keyboard |
US11081300B2 (en) * | 2016-09-30 | 2021-08-03 | Dongguan Mingjian Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. | Mechanical switch of photoelectrical type and a key assembly of a keyboard |
US20200042101A1 (en) * | 2018-08-01 | 2020-02-06 | Lite-On Electronics (Guangzhou) Limited | Backlight module and input device |
US11036306B2 (en) * | 2018-08-01 | 2021-06-15 | Lite-On Electronics (Guangzhou) Limited | Backlight module and input device |
US11409373B2 (en) * | 2018-08-01 | 2022-08-09 | Lite-On Electronics (Guangzhou) Limited | Backlight module and input device |
Also Published As
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7294803B2 (en) | Key pad and keypad assembly | |
KR100606081B1 (en) | Light guide panel, keypad and keypad assembly | |
US7411142B2 (en) | Keypad with light guide layer, keypad assembly and portable terminal | |
KR20060119292A (en) | Key-pad and key-pad assembly using the same | |
KR100797645B1 (en) | Apparatus for illuminating keypad | |
KR100606082B1 (en) | Keypad and keypad assembly | |
KR20070009234A (en) | Keypad and keypad assembly | |
KR100689391B1 (en) | Keypad assembly | |
KR100744324B1 (en) | Keypad and keypad assembly | |
KR20070009495A (en) | Keypad and keypad assembly | |
KR100724897B1 (en) | Keypad assembly | |
KR20070036115A (en) | Keypad and keypad assembly | |
KR20070064577A (en) | Keypad and keypad assembly |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD., KOREA, REPUBLIC OF Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:LEE, JOO-HOON;JUNG, SUN-TAE;KIM, KYOUNG-YOUM;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:017376/0390 Effective date: 20051213 |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: PAYER NUMBER DE-ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: RMPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 12TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1553); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY Year of fee payment: 12 |